IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Report No. 10
Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 10 April 1977 PROSPECTS FOR GROWING GRAPES IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS O ee St. Thomas Is. ey St. Johns Is “ate SA ' ae St. Croix Is. College of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station arshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 10 April 1977 PROSPECTS FOR GROWING GRAPES In the U.S. Virgin Islands College of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Darshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands CONTENTS Page . Historical Background. ........6.+eeeeeee eee e ceed . Present Grape Production .....-.--.++++++0+eeeeereeeee 2 COMB si cessaicarsiewreceaecarewis eres ooe.e'e aie orem e eiere ae seimeeiee 2 . Varictal Adaptation and Rootstocks .....---+++++++++++ 7 ; Climate ices ceases eee ae ae aE 7 . Irrigation... 2.66. e eee eee eee rece eee tenn eee’ 9 '. Diseases and Insects. .....0000 secre eee rece e rece? …
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Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 10 April 1977 PROSPECTS FOR GROWING GRAPES IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS O ee St. Thomas Is. ey St. Johns Is “ate SA ' ae St. Croix Is. College of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station arshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Report No. 10 April 1977 PROSPECTS FOR GROWING GRAPES In the U.S. Virgin Islands College of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station Darshan S. Padda, Director St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands CONTENTS Page . Historical Background. ........6.+eeeeeee eee e ceed . Present Grape Production .....-.--.++++++0+eeeeereeeee 2 COMB si cessaicarsiewreceaecarewis eres ooe.e'e aie orem e eiere ae seimeeiee 2 . Varictal Adaptation and Rootstocks .....---+++++++++++ 7 ; Climate ices ceases eee ae ae aE 7 . Irrigation... 2.66. e eee eee eee rece eee tenn eee’ 9 '. Diseases and Insects. .....0000 secre eee rece e rece? 9 - Di ion and R DALIONE, 0 0:6: 19; 9:ere were iene seinen 15 PROSPECTS FOR GROWING GRAPES In the U.S. Virgin Islands By G. A. Cahoon ' and D. S. Padda? This study is a part of the continuous ef- fort by the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experi- ment Station to determine the agricultural enterprises, both plant and animal, that have economic potential in the Virgin Islands. The grape, in some of its many species, hy- brids and races, is grown over the greater part of the world except in regions of extreme cold. Grape growing is the world’s biggest fruit industry (25 million acres). Grapes are grown widely wherever climate and soil per- mit. Over 8000 varieties have been named and described. Since the genus Vitis, with two b-genera (Euvitis and M Jinia) are grown in many areas of the world but primarily in the subtropical and temperate regions, consi- derable doubt existed as to the possibilities and limitations for production under the tro- pical environment of the U.S. Virgin Islands. There was a feeling among the Virgin Islands agriculture community that a cash crop such as grapes could greatly benefit the agriculture program of the islands. Therefore, the senior author was invited to visit the Virgin Islands in November, 1975 to help i Lig the HISTORICAL BACKGROUND In previous years, the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially St. Croix, produced considerably more food than it does today. At present a substantial effort is being made to increase local agricultural production; however, exten- sive acreages of good agricultural land are not available. Thus, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John are all major importers of most food crops. As a typical example, 66,000 pounds of fresh grapes were shipped into the Virgin Islands during 1972 (12). This was only .7 pounds per capita as compared to 3.2 pounds for the United States. Retail prices received for these grapes frequently exceed $1.00 per pound, but the quality of grapes available in the Virgin Islands market is far inferior to that of mainland markets. An average price in a mid-western supermarket for the same type of grapes of better quality would be $ 40 — $ .80 per pound. All of these factors, it was felt, might make grapes a favorable crop to consider as the Virgin Islands Agricultural Ex- periment Station searched for new crops. The presence of many land holders with small feasibility of grape production in the island. This report represents some of the available information and observations on which to base the best possible decision. of land, submarginal by agr standards, is an additional incentive for consi- dering the more intensive crops such as grapes, with high cash income possibilities (12). 1. Professor of H i Ohio A Research & Devel Center, Wooster, Ohio. 2. Director, Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Fig. 1 PRESENT GRAPE PRODUCTION A limited survey of the islands, surprisingly enough, did result in the location of four indi- viduals who had fruiting grape vines. They were: (Fig. 1, 2, 3) Mr. Jose A. Encarnacion and Cyril A. Garvey of St. Croix, Dr. Walter Phillips of Water Isle, St. Thomas, and Joseph Aubain of St. Thomas. A more detailed survey would probably find others. Examination of the vines and fruit at these locations indicated that two had similar fol- iage while the others were definitely different (Figs. 4 and 5). There were also indications that grapes have been grown here intermit- tently by several individuals over a period of many years. Continuous production by a single individual for many years was not con- firmed, however, it was noted that Moravian missionaries had an arbor near (presently a dairy and ice cream parlor) Christiansted, St. Croix at a much earlier date. Attempts at 2 Arbor of Mr. & Mrs. Jose A. Encarnacion, St. Croix. Clusters and berries are large. Grape is seeded and dark blue. growing grapes had also been made many years earlier by McKinzie in the area of Es- tate Fountain Valley. Many varieties of grapes were tested for six years and success- ful grapes were raised, however, the exact data on the comparison performance of de- finite varieties are not available. SOILS A recent soil survey (11) most aptly de- scribes the terrain of the islands. “St. Croix, the largest island of the Virgin Island group, is the most easterly possession of the United States and is approximately 100 miles south-southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is approximately 22 miles long and 6 miles wide (lig. 6). There are approximate- ly 54,400 acres of land area. St. Thomas is about 40 miles north of St. Croix and is 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, covering approxi- we oe i ew xs a oN ~~, t >> 4 ay ew i? Ca me i > Arbor of Mr. & Mrs. Cyril A. Garvey, St. Croix. Clusters and berries are seeded, medium in size and dark blue Cie) “ ~ Ld ~~ >t re Oy \ark o>) 4 x ee, oe: v7 Fig. 3 Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Oscar E. Henry, Dr. Walter H. Phillips, and Dr. Darshan S. Padda, examining a shoot from a grape vine grown at the Water Isle Botanical Gardens, St. Thomas. oS ri 4 ai ang a iN BN cmninentiitim &4@ ——_—. Figs. 4 & § Comparisons of the two major leaf forms found in Virgin Islands. mately 19,000 acres. St. John, 2 miles east of St. Thomas, is about 7 miles long and 3 miles wide and has approximately 12,000 acres.” “The island of St. Croix is characterized by a mountainous area in the north flanked by arolling plain to the south. The mountains are broken by many narrow, steep-sided valleys through which intermittent streams discharge in herly and h ly courses across the plain. Few deeply cut seams flow directly westward. Mount Kagle, the highest peak on St. Croix, is 1,165 feet above sca level. The eastern end of the island is also, but the el is not so high and the stream valleys are not so sharply incised.” “St. Thomas and St. John are characterized by irregular coastlines, numerous bays, steep slopes, and small drainage areas. For the most part, the topography is mountainous. Coastal plains are almost completely absent. There are no permanent streams or rivers. Intermil- tent streams discharge into the sea, but on their way form narrow, nearly level alluvial fans and terraces. Crown Mountain, the high- est peak on St. Thomas, is 1,500 feet above sea level, Bordeaux Mountain, the highest peak on St. John, is 1,277 feet above sea level. Seven major soil associations make up the land mass (7). They are: (1) descalabrado- jacana; (2) Aguilita-Fredensborg-Sion; (3) Fra- ternidad-Aguirre-Glynn; (4) Southgate-Para- sol; (5) Cramer-Isaac; (6) Dorothea-Victory- Magens; and (7) Cornhill-Coamo-San Anton Associations, In gencral, most of the soils can be characterized as being steep and shallow, with gravelly or stony sub-soils (13). Soils such as the Aguilita series have limestone or marl in their profile. Several others are mixed with volcanic rocks. Of the groupings listed, it would appear that soils such as the Fredensborg and Sion Series might be best adapted to grape cul- ture. However, it should be pointed out that on small derate slope steep ages, and even shallowness over rock might be satis- factory depending on the permeability and condition of the subsoil. Soft limestone or voleanic subsoils may not be a disadvantage judging by some of the rather famous grape growing areas of the world. Clay soils that are poorly drained should be avoided. It should be emphasized that the soils are somewhat an unknown quantity at this point, since on-site it gation was not given to the various soil types. Further inves- tigations will have to determine the relative merits and limitations of the Virgin Island soil groups. It must be concluded at this point, however, that with most of the vegetation ob- served on the islands, cultivated or native, chlorosis, nutritional deficiencies, or other major abnormalities were not prevalent, in- dicating that with the wide adaptability of grapes the present soil conditions on the is- lands should not be the major deterrent to grape cullure. Grapes are grown through- out the world on a wide range of soil types: from gravelly sands to clays and from shallow to deep-high fertility soils. Soil pH’s range from 4.5 to 8.5. Varietal preferences are much more selective and will be discussed later. Internal soil drainage and the associated soil aeration are extremely important factors in grape production. Not only can they limit producti by physiologically reducing growth, but are frequently associated with disease problems. In many temperate areas of the world with moderate rainfall, irriga- tion is generally not needed, but good inter- nal drainage is important to maintain ade- quate soil aeration. In the more arid areas of the world, good drainage is necessary to pre- vent accumulation of salts in the soil profile resulting from irrigation. This is especially important if the water contains high concen- trations of salt. Most of the soil types in the seven associations were listed as having some well-drained series. Thus, soil drainage does not appear to be a major problem. aDee asnpont “St THOMAS |S. ST. JOHN IS. s é€ a me Ww Ser Fig.6 The location of the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John in reference to one another and to Puerto Rico. VARIETAL ADAPTATION AND ROOTSTOCKS The genus Vitis has two subgenera: Euvi- tis and Muscadinia. Vitis vinifera species is by far the most popular and produces over 90% of the worlds grapes. Vitis rotundifol- ja is the best example of Muscadinia. As a general statement, cultivated grapes of the species Vitis vinifera are more tolerant to soils with high pH and lime content than many of the others, especially Vitis /abrus- ca. Vinifera grapes are frequently more deep rooted than labrusca varieties, but soil types have much to do in regulating these charac- teristics. Rootstocks have done much to bridge the growing environnment between species. They can also increase adaptability and/or resistance to nematodes, phylloxera, poor soil drainage, etc. However, the native habitat of either of these species is the warm temperate zone between 30° and 40° and not the tropics (23° north and south of equator). A grape breeding program has been con- ducted in Florida and North Carolina for several years by J.A. Mortensen (4, 5) and W.B. Nesbitt (8). Several varieties of bunch grapes (sub-genus Euvitis) that are adapted to the sub-tropical areas and resistant to a virus known as Pierce’s disease have been developed. Similarly, new varieties of Vitis rotundi- folia (sub-genus Muscadinia) that are native to the southeastern United States have been de- veloped. Recommended varieties for trial include: Dixie, Carlos, Magnolia, Fry, Hig- gans, Welder, Noble, Hunt, Coward, Chief, derbad. Thus, it is evident from such work that varieties and cultural practices adapted toward the tropics are being grown. It was mentioned earlier that four residents of Virgin Islands had been visited who were growing grapes. ‘The varieties being produced were not readily identified. Mr. Jose Encarna- cion of St. Croix stated that his grape vines had been obtained from Mr. John Martin as Concord grapes and Mr. Martin had in turn imported his original vine from the sister Caribbean Island, St. Martin. The origin and varicty names of the other vines of Dr. Walter Phillips and Cyril Garvey have also not been determined. However, they appear to be iden- tical (Figs. 4 and 5) and very well adapted to Virgin Island conditions. Experimental work on vinifera grapes al the Estacion Experimental Agricola, Rio Pied- ras, Puerto Rico, by Mr. Justo Lopez Garcia (3) was observed (Fig. 7, 8). The varieties Ex- bvtic, Ribier, Fortuna, Roja, and Fortuna Blanca, were performing satisfactorily in this southern coastal climate. Vigor and uneven ripening were some of the problems encoun- tered. It was stated that some wild (native) varieties existed in the area, but they had not been collected and identified. CLIMATE Temperature: Since grapes have a rather wide range of soil adaptability, the major question in evaluating the potential for grape production in this area is temperature, rain- fall, humidity, and related environmental con- citbone; As shown a! Table 1, the maximum haa anid iful (8). M dine varie. e in the Virgin ties are also available from other exp stations and private nurseries in Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina (6). In India, Randhawa and Bammi (1) have reported that species of Vitis vinifera have been grown suc- cessfully in the tropical conditions of south- ern India around Poona, Bangalore, and Hy- P Islands is only 6°F. ‘Similarly, the average diur- nal fluctuations (day to night) are about 13°F (9). Such seasonal variations are small com- pared to most sub-tropical and temperate regions. Table 2 shows a comparison of tem- perature variations between some of the recognized grape areas in the world. These 7 ™ me i) “i mo fs » af my Xe. es a, AR & ’ Men PT Pad te gee Ne a wt Figs. 7&8 Grape vineyard at Estacion Experimental Agricola, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Pictured are Mr. Justo Lopez Garcia, Horticulturist with Dr Darshan S. Padda (top) and Dr. Garth A, Cahoon (bottom). areas also represent extremes in climate and latitude for grape production. One of the areas most similar to the Virgin Islands that produces grapes is the Bangalore region of India. Yet, even here the seasonal variation is approximately 12 degrees (1). From all available information, the lowest temperatures are insufficient to satisfy the rest. period of most commercial varieties. However, there is evidence to indicate that V. vinifera grapes, when placed under mois- ture stress and this moisture stress is coordi- nated with pruning, girdling, or defoliation, can induce flowering (1), Also, as discussed in the previous section there are grape varie- tics, such as Vitis munsoniana and rotundi- folia, that require a minimal amount of low temperature chilling (5). Some of these in- cluding bunch grapes (sub-genus Euvitis), have been ded for production in Florida, Experimental work being carried on with Vitis vinifera at the S tion, etc., exceed precipitation) are generally much greater than months with a moisture surplus. Anna’s hope was the only station of the six in the study that had the water deficit removed for three consecutive months during an average year. IRRIGATION Water from wells, lakes, streams, elc., are a@ means whereby crops can be irrigated during moisture deficient months to increase pro- duction, Such possibilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas appear lo be minimal, especially when urban and municipal needs of the people are considered. However, there are other possibilities such as the re-cycling of municipal sewage water (14) or the surface lid of water (i ing the run- off from a larger watershed area in order to supply a more limited acreage) (15) that are de fortuna in Puerto Rico is of interest in this regard (3). Rainfall: As mentioned in the previous section, moisture for adequate production i isa major necessity to consider in dete ning the potential for grape production in an arca, This can be provided as rainfall, irriga- tion from ponds, lakes, rivers or wells. Ac- cording to Martin J. Bowden, et al. (2) rain- fall is a factor limiting the production of most agricultural crops on St. Croix. As shown by Fig. 9, annual rainfall ranges from 25 to 55 inches per year for various parts of the island, Differences from year to year are also ex- tremely variable (Fig. 10). Monthly rainfall variations as shown by Figs. 11 and 12 indicate that the months of September, October and November are wet- test while February, March and April are the driest. According to the procedures used, moi- sture deficit months (those months in which being explored or exploited. Use of trickle irrigation to maximize water application efficiency is readily adaptable to grape cul- ture and should receive consideration. DISEASES AND INSECTS From the limited study conducted on the grapes found in the Virgin Islands and in Puerto Rico, disease does not appear to be a major limiting factor. In fact, the primary di- seases of grapes, such as the mildews, black rot, anthracnose, botrytis, etc., are not well adapted to these climatic conditions, Rainfall during the ripening period usually produces more probl than high t condi- tions. Pierce’s and other similar virus diseases, nematodes, and phylloxera would be more suspect problems under the tropical climatic conditions of the islands. 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CROIX AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL eu nis, ta inches 25-30 30-35 35-40 40-45 45-50 50-55 MILES Oost Hm Fig.9 Annual average rainfall on the island of St. Croix. (Reproduced from the publication “Water Balance of a Dry Island’) (2). 11 $ Frequency (Yearly) % Frequency (Yearly) 90 ANNUAL RAINFALL VARIABILITY sor —— Anna's Hope == Airport seseeeseee Kingshill 70h s—+— Ston Farm © Mean 60 50] 4ot oN 30 20 or ol 10 20 30 Yearly Rainfall (Tnehes) T NTN rl Ni ANNUAL RAINFALL VARIABILITY — =r Annaly ———Christiansted sree Predertksted Tor = © Mean 60r 4 $0 aol 3of- ] 20 10r ol 80 1° 20 30 Yearly Rainfall (Inches) Fig. 10 Annual rainfall variability for 7 areas on St. Croix. Reproduced from the “Water Balance of a Dry Island” (2). publication ST. CROIX AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL (in inches) FEBRUARY Fa MARCH APRIL OOO “miles 0-1 1-2 2-3 3-4 Fig. 11 Monthly average rainfall (in inches) on St. Croix for the 3 driest months (Feb., lar., Apr.). Reproduced from the publication “Water Balance of a Dry Island” (2). 13 ST. CROIX AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL (in inches) SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER re) Cy Rss cid aeee 2 ee MILES: 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 Fig. 12. Monthly average rainfall (in inches) on St. Croix, for the 3 wettest months (Sept., Oct., Nov.). Reproduced from the publica- tion “Water Balance of a Dry Island” (2). DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS A review of most of the factors involved in the production of grapes has been presented. This has included soils, topography, climate, (temperatures, relative humidity, rainfall) irrigation, varieties, insects, diseases, and a brief history of island grape production. The relative importance of these factors, from the authors’ point of view, has been discussed and can hopefully be used to help determine whether commercial grape production should be attempted in the Virgin Islands. The fact that temperatures are so uniform throughout the year (6° maximum fluctua- tion) is undoubtedly the greatest single factor against the feasibility for grape production. Yet, in at least two tropical areas of the world, southern India and Brazil, not one but two crops of grapes are being produced per year (10). To accomplish this the vines are mani- pulated both by cultural practices and taking advantage of weather conditions. It has been shown that moisture stress within the vine, re- sulting from low rainfall, or withholding irri- gation water, can be used toa degree to com- pensate for low temperatures, Pruning and foliage 1 followed by the appli of water (irrigation and/or rainfall) can be used to induce flowering. A step by step procedure would be as folfows: (1) with- hold water until the soil is dry and the vine is under stress; (2) prune the vine and remove foliage, then; (3) apply water to the soil. Re- sumption of growth and flowering will usual- ly result. The question exists as to whether two such periods can be used in the Virgin Islands and will it be necessary to correlate both pruning flowers and a crop each time. Any research program that might be attempted would need to investigate the relationship between time of pruning, crop yield and maturity. There is no doubt that certain varieties will respond much more readily than others to the previous scheme and the climate of the is- lands. Vinifera varieties for example, adapted to the subtropical regions of the world, should respond more favorably than labrusca cultivars. Muscadine grapes (Vitis muscadin- ja) as a group are more adapted to warm cli- mates than either vinifera or labrusca, except that they differ in character from the tradi- tional bunch type grapes. Crosses between vinifera and dinia are also ilabl (5 and 8). An experiment being conducted in Puerto Rico at the Subestacion De Fortuna has shown that some of the more traditional vini- fera table grape varieties will produce moder- ately well (3), Lack of vigor and uneven ripen- ing have been one of their major problems indi limatic adaptability. The vines planted in 1964 on their own roots would appear to be growing with high popu- lations of soil nematodes and perhaps even phylloxera. Girdling has been used to facili- tate fruit maturation. It is possible that such chemicals as Alar, Ethephon, gibberellic acid or others could also be used to increase return bloom and fruit set. It was their prac- tice to prune only once a year, during the second week of January, and harvest'the crop the second weck of May. Observation of the vines of Walter Phillips of Water Isle, St. Thomas and Cyril Garvey of St. Croix indicated that there is a selection of grapes very well adapted to island soil and cli- oor periods with instead of p matic Whether or not this grape is changes. ‘'wo examples were found on St. Croix which indi that this p' might be possible. Mr. Jose Encarnacion pruned his vines approximately every 6 months. The vines appeared to respond with native has not been determined. Cuttings of these vines were gathered and are being pro- pagated at the Virgin Island Agricultural Ex- periment Station on St. Croix. It is recom- mended that in any investigation attempted 1s this selection be grown on its own roots as well as used as a rootstock to test other select- ed cultivars. Most recorded literature on the subject of rot do appear to be the major problems that are in the high humidity areas of the midwest and eastern United States, small plantings would be possible on the islands. costs are a limiting factor to growing grapes in the tropics indi that the vines lack longivity (short lived). It is dif- ficult to determine whether this is duc to soil insects and disease or physiological causes. Any experimental investigations should deter- mine the potential problems of phylloxera, nematodes, Pierce’s disease, and others. Soils and topography offer some limita- tations, but relatively speaking, they are less doubtful factors than climate (temperature and moisture). It would appear most logical in terms of the present agricultural situation, if grapes were grown, that many small plant- ings be distributed over the island in the most favorable locations and soils rather than large commercial plantings. This would fit most logically with the present size of land holdings. Since foliage and fruit diseases such as down- ey and powdery mildew, Botritis, or Black small plantings under high disease condi- tions, This presumably would have the po- tential to supplement the income of many individuals who would receive the direct bencfit from a cash crop rather than create jobs for a limited number. Also, since an acreage of suitable land does not exist in large parcels, the best use of the land would be met by using the small land holdings. Further, grapes could possibly be grown in small plots on slopes that would not be com- mercially feasible. Water for irrigation might also best be obtained for small plantings dis- tribuled over the islands. As discussed pre- viously, this water might come from reclaim- ed sources, wells, ponds, etc. Trickle irrigation could also be used to make the most efficient use of available moisture. LITERATURE CITED Bammi, R.K. and G.S. Randhawa. 1968. Viticulture in the tropical regions of India. Vitis 7:124-129, Bowden, Martin J. ct al. 1968. Water balance of a dry island. Geo. publ. at Dartmouth, No, 6:1-89. Garcia, Justo Lopez. 1974. Comportamiento de la uva de mesa, Vitis vinifera, L. enla subestacion de fortuna, Puerto Rico, Estacion Experimental Agricola publ. 88:1-20. Mortensen, J.A. 1968. Stover an early bunch grape for central Florida. Florida Agr. Expt. Sta. Cire. S-195, pp. 1-6. Mortensen, J.A. 1971. Breeding grapes for central Florida. Proc. Symp. “Breeding Fruit Crops for Adaptations to Warm Climates”. HortSci. 6(2):145-160. Mortensen, J.A. 1973. Muscadine grapes for Florida: yields and other characteristics of 48 cultivars. Proc. Fla. State. Hort. Soc. 86:338-341. McKinzie, William E., Bob F. Scott and Luis H. Rivera. 1965. Soils and their interpreta- tions for various uses. St. Croix American Virgin Islands. U.S. Dept. of Agr. Soil Cons. Serv. Caribbean Area. Nesbitt, W.B. 1976, Personal Communications. No. Car. St. Univ. Padda, Darshan S. 1974. Some tips for growing fruit trees in the Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands Agriculture and Food Fair Book. Randhawa, G.S. and R.K. Bammi. 1968. Grape culture under tropical conditions. Tropi- cal Sei. Vol. XIII (2): 137-142. Rivera, Luis H., et al. 1970. Soil survey of the Virgin Islands of the United States. U.S. Dept. of Agr. Soil Cons. Serv. pp. 1-78. Sands, Fenton B. 1974. Fruits and vegetables. Production and i iT and marketing problems in the U.S. Virgin Islands. College of V. I. Agr. Expt. Sta. Report No. 2, pp. 1-30. Scott, Bob F., William E. McKinzie and J.F. Marrero. 1964. Virgin Islands soil and water conservation needs inventory. U.S. Dept. of Agri. Soil Cons. Serv. Caribbean Area. Virgin Islands Agricultural and Food Fair. Feb. 1975. Virgin Islands Agricultural and Food Fair, Feb. 1976. OTHER PUBLICATIONS OF THE V. I. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Grain Sorghum and Forage: Production and Utilization Potential in St. Croix, U. S. Vir- gin Islands, bl Prod Pp, Fruits and Vege and Ci P Is and Marketing Problems in the U, S. Virgin Islands. Profitability of Dairy Farming in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Profitability of Poultry Production in the U. S, Virgin Islands. 5 Profitability of Hog Production in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Potential Returns from Goat and Sheep Enterprises in the U. S, Virgin Islands. Marketing Potential for Livestock Products in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Okra: A Beloved Virgin. Virgin Islands Forestry Research - A Problem Analysis. 10. Sorghum in the Virgin Islands. These Publications are available free of charge by writing to the V.I. Agricultural Experiment Station, P.O. Box 920, Kingshill, St. Croix, U.S.V.1. 00850. 18